Pupils at St Leonards can board from the age of 12 and we currently have a boarding community of up to 130. Our four Boarding Houses – Bishopshall, Ollerenshaw, St Rule East and St Rule West - offer friendly, welcoming and safe environments in which our pupils have the opportunity to make the most of all the fantastic opportunities that life at St Leonards brings. Our boarders forge life-long friendships, and they make the most of being in the heart of the thriving university town of St Andrews.

The Headmaster of St Leonards, Dr Michael Carslaw, says, “Boarding is at the heart of St Leonards. St Andrews is a small, safe and beautiful town and we are right in the heart of it. The inspirational setting and university connections play an enriching part in our boarders’ education. In this unique location, all our pupils thrive and grow to become impressive young adults.”

A home away from home

Each house has its own unique character, but an overarching, welcoming ethos ensures that boarding is always friendly with an emphasis on family atmosphere. We provide a home away from home. Our boarders receive the very highest levels of pastoral care, giving them a safe, nurturing environment in which to make the most of what St Leonards has to offer.

A Housemaster or Housemistress, along with resident house assistants, live in each house. The welfare and development of the pupils is their number one priority and our staff are frequently praised by students for their approachable and friendly nature. International pupils will also have a UK based guardian from the point at which they begin their studies until the point at which they leave the School.

St Leonards boarders are encouraged to learn vital social and organisational skills by getting involved in the running of their house and in the setting and upholding of standards of behaviour. Our pupils have regular opportunities to provide feedback on house matters.

Camaraderie is a key part of life at St Leonards and, because they get to know pupils in different year groups and forge friendships with them, our boarders play a key part in spreading this spirit right across the School.

Outstanding facilities

Each of the residences is equipped with study bedrooms, common rooms, kitchen facilities, computing facilities and games rooms. Wireless internet access (monitored) is available, enabling our pupils to stay in contact with family and friends. Students receive nutritious meals and regular snacks, including brunch at the weekends, in the Central Dining Room. St Leonards is one of the only schools in the country to have received the Scottish Consumer Council’s Healthy Living Plus Award.

The warm, family atmosphere that is present in the houses is the most important thing to us. However, the buildings themselves are something to shout about. The facilities may be modern but each of the majestic structures has its own fascinating history.

With their impressive stair cases, expansive communal areas and

beautifully maintained period details, our houses have a distinct country house feel.

Many rooms have views of the sea, the hills of Fife or the historic St Andrews Cathedral.

Full-time, weekly or flexi

Pupils can board full-time, weekly or on a flexible basis however nearly all boarders stay over the weekend and enjoy the opportunity to participate in a full programme of enriching activities and regular trips and visits.

There are no distinctions between day and boarding students at St Leonards, they are all part of the same friendly family. Day pupils therefore play a full part in boarding life too. In the sixth form they become members of one of the houses and socialise, relax and study there. They also join in weekend activities and excursions and represent their house in inter-house competitions.

Boarders List

A useful list of the items which boarders should bring with them is available in the Parents secure area of the website or from our Admissions team.

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Location

Situated in the heart of St Andrews, St Leonards offers outstanding boarding education for 5-18 year old boys and girls, combining exceptional academic achievement with a friendly atmosphere. St Leonards students have the chance to learn, work and play in a unique seaside setting and to feed off the inspirational buzz that comes from being right in the heart of a renowned and cosmopolitan university town.

The School is a private company limited by guarantee and is registered in Edinburgh with registration number SC016693. The company's registered office address is St Leonards School, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9QJ. The School is also registered as a charity with OSCR. The charity registration number is SC010904.

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